Reduction of CO₂ emission as a result of the use of 48-volt electrical installationsin passenger cars

The introduction of a new standard of 48-volt electrical systems in cars comes at an additional cost to the vehicle. Acceptance of these costs is justified because it becomes a way to achieve lower CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption. An important factor in favor of adopting 48-volt systems is the reduction in CO2 due to the use of a highly efficient 48-volt motor-generator unit coupled to a DC/DC converter. A methodology for testing new solutions to quantify CO2 savings and reductions therefore becomes crucial. This methodology must be capable of demonstrating the CO2 benefits primarily of the innovative technology proven in real-world driving conditions and with a large amount of realistic statistical data. The introduction of new eco-innovations must take into account the linkage and impact on other environmentally oriented ecoinnovative solutions. When implementing new technical solutions, a necessary aspect is the interaction with other innovations installed in vehicles with new electrical installation standards. Therefore, for the expected synergy of solutions to occur, two or more innovative technologies must be installed. Then the combined savings from one of them will affect the performance of the other technologies, and vice versa. The new technology of a high-efficiency 48-volt motor-generator unit cooperating with a 48V/12V DC/DC converter fits very well in creating interactions with other implemented solutions aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. The article discusses the problems of the introduced new technology of a high-efficiency 48-volt motor-generator unit cooperating with a 48V/12V DC/DC converter. The publication analyzes the impact of in creasing the voltage rating of current passenger car installations to 48V. Based on the methodology for determining the reduction of CO2 emissions of a vehicle with a 48V/12V DC/DC voltage converter installed, the mass of fuel per unit of engine operation time was determined. The amount of fuel saved was determined, and CO2 emission reductions were calculated for the three adopted passenger vehicles tested.